Pocket Watch Database
Pocket Watch Serial Number Lookup Database
From the American Horology Archive
Pocket Watch
Serial Lookup & Information
First Time Researching?
Read the
"How To Lookup My Pocket Watch"
Guide
trending_up Now Trending
Identifying Solid Gold Watch Cases: General Rules of Guidance
Being able to reliably determine whether a case is gold or gold-filled is a vital skill when purchasing antique pocket watches, especially with the various myths spread about gold and gold-filled cases. A mistake here can lead to severe financial consequences. The following "rules" can help provide guidance while evaluating watch cases. As always, exceptions exist, and some cases have been fraudulently marked - so when in doubt, please use a non-destructive test to verify the case material before purchasing an ambiguous case... Continue Reading
history Recently Posted
5 Common Myths Spread About Solid Gold vs. Gold-Filled Watch Cases
Modern collectors frequently debate the type of markings applied to gold and gold-filled pocket watch cases. Unfortunately, these discussions have perpetuated various myths about what distinguishes a solid gold case from a gold-filled case, based on case markings. This article aims to explore these myths that are continuously propagated in discussions. Note: To maintain conciseness, the term "gold-filled" used in this article should also be interpreted to include the classes of "rolled gold plate" and "electropated" cases as well... Continue Reading
history Recently Posted
Nickel Alloy Pocket Watch Cases: Silveroid, Silverode, Oresilver, Silverine, and Others
Most American watch case manufacturers experimented with various methods to market cases that were more durable and less expensive than precious metals while maintaining a similar appearance. One of the most notable trends of the 1800s was the rise in popularity of nickel alloy watch cases that closely resembled silver. Almost every major watch case factory created its own marketable name for the nickel material used for these "new metal" cases. New case types, like the screw-back-and-bezel case, also benefited from the more durable metals offered by the nickel alloy material... Continue Reading
Recent Watch Lookups
Recent Collection Uploads
Serial No.: | #42094 |
Manufacturer: | Seth Thomas |
Grade: | 33 |
Size: | 18s |
Model: | 3 |
Jewels: | 17j |
Setting: | Lever |
Finish: | Gilt |
Est. Date: | 1889 |
Added By: | ![]() |
Serial No.: | #208108 |
Manufacturer: | Seth Thomas |
Grade: | 159 |
Size: | 18s |
Model: | 5 |
Jewels: | 15j |
Setting: | Lever |
Finish: | Nickel |
Est. Date: | 1897 |
Added By: | ![]() |
Serial No.: | #651200 |
Manufacturer: | Waltham |
Grade: | P.S. Bartlett |
Size: | 18s |
Model: | 1857 |
Jewels: | 11j |
Setting: | Key |
Finish: | Gilt |
Est. Date: | November 1872 - January 1, 1873 |
Added By: | ![]() |